The Ice Queen and The Dark Prince

the blizzard

Flashback

"So, Minatiro, how exactly do you keep up with Teigu users despite not using one yourself?" Tatsumi asked, curiosity lighting up his face as they gathered around the campfire.

Minatiro leaned back, arms crossed. "My breathing technique," he replied plainly. "It allows me to tap into 100% of my strength and speed, down to a molecular level. I can control every part of my body—muscles, blood flow, even my heartbeat—at will."

Akame's eyes widened slightly, while Leone looked intrigued.

"Wait," Mine interjected, "if it's that simple, why don't you teach us? Sounds like something that could be pretty useful."

Minatiro raised an eyebrow, then let out a chuckle. "You don't get it, do you? Mastering it takes years of practice, and even then, most people can only maintain that kind of control for a few seconds. It's not something I can just 'teach' you in a week. You wouldn't even be able to hold it for a minute."

Mine narrowed her eyes. "So what, you're saying I couldn't learn it? I could probably master it faster than you think."

Minatiro looked her over for a second, before firing back, "The only reason you can even fight is because of your Teigu, Pumpkin. Without that, what are you really? A sharpshooter with no backup plan?"

Mine's cheeks flushed red as her pride flared up. "Excuse me? I've worked harder than anyone in Night Raid! I could take you down in a fight even without Pumpkin."

"Doubt it," Minatiro replied, his voice calm. "You rely on your Teigu to compensate for what you lack. That's why you're so defensive right now. You know it's true."

The tension between them grew palpable, and Leone stifled a laugh while Tatsumi looked on, unsure whether to intervene. Akame remained silent, her gaze flicking between Mine and Minatiro, clearly analyzing the situation.

Mine scowled. "Fine! How about you put your money where your mouth is? Let's spar."

Minatiro smirked, standing up from his seat. "I don't fight people who need a crutch to stand."

Just as the tension between Minatiro and Mine reached its peak, Chelsea, who had been leaning casually against a nearby tree, decided to step in. She let out an exaggerated sigh and walked over with her usual relaxed demeanor, sucking on her lollipop.

"Alright, alright, let's all calm down before things get out of hand," Chelsea said, waving her hand between them. "No need to turn this into some pointless pissing contest."

Minatiro narrowed his eyes slightly at Chelsea's interruption, but said nothing, his body language relaxing just a little. Mine, still fuming, crossed her arms and huffed in frustration.

"He's the one being an arrogant jerk," Mine spat, glaring at Minatiro. "Acting like he's some sort of untouchable warrior."

"And you're not exactly helping by biting back every time he says something," Chelsea quipped, shooting Mine a sly smile. "Look, you both know you're good at what you do. There's no need to start throwing punches or—" she glanced at Mine's Teigu, "blasting shots at each other."

"Chelsea's right," Tatsumi finally added, stepping in cautiously. "We're all on the same side here. Let's not turn this into a fight among ourselves."

Mine looked like she still wanted to argue, but Chelsea placed a hand on her shoulder. "Besides," Chelsea added with a smirk, "we all know you wouldn't last ten seconds against Minatiro without Pumpkin."

Mine's face turned red again, but this time she let it go, shaking her head in frustration. "Whatever," she muttered, turning her back on Minatiro. "I don't need to prove anything."